The brief sense of uneasiness for the Buffalo Sabres came to an end with a relieving 3-2 shootout win over the Seattle Kraken. With the top three positions in the Atlantic Division shifting with seemingly every game, a prolonged losing streak to close the season could wind up being a major misstep.
Though the Sabres have simply slowed down from an incredible hot period, they have also been dealing with a somewhat glaring issue. They have a glut of defensemen who could take up either of the spots on the bottom pairing heading into the playoffs. The question is, “Who will play well enough to claim those spots?”
The Sabres sent down unsung hero Zach Metsa in an effort to garner playing time for Michael Kesselring, the returning Conor Timmins, and new additions Logan Stanley and Luke Schenn. If anything, this stretch has proven that Metsa belongs on the Sabres blueline when the playoffs begin.
Metsa Has Been a Bright Spot
The 27-year-old rookie has come out of right field to become a solid contributor for the Sabres. At 5-foot-9, Metsa has never been recognized for his size but has played a stronger game than most would have believed coming into the season.
The Sabres have thrived because of contributions from less-hyped players and Metsa is no different. Goaltending has been excellent for the Sabres but improved team defense has been crucial as well, and Metsa has stood out for playing a solid, strong game.
He is smart with the puck, making quick decisions throughout. He isn’t there for his offensive game with just six points, but his plus-20 rating shows how effective he is as a defender. He isn’t going to “wow” you but will make the smart plays that almost never show up on the highlight reel.
The Rest of the Group Has Struggled
The three names in competition with Metsa – Timmins, Stanley, and Kesslering – have each had their ups and downs. Timmins recently returned from a broken leg and was expected to improve the penalty kill. Instead, he has struggled to find his form but it is hard to expect him to be at full strength after so long away.
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Stanley seems to be finding his game as he acclimates to the Sabres since the trade deadline. He has the size, toughness, and physicality that the Sabres need but can be burned, especially in transition. He feels like the front-runner to earn one of the two bottom-pairing spots.
Kesselring is perhaps the most intriguing. He was thought to be the centerpiece of the J.J. Peterka trade but has struggled to find his game. A recurring ankle injury has limited his effectiveness and clearly had an impact on his game. He hasn’t played since Mar. 10 and rumors suggest he isn’t 100 percent healed.
This playing time was meant to find a steady fit and see where the Sabres stand. If anything, it has proven that Metsa deserves the opportunity to play in the Sabres’ first playoff game since 2011.
Metsa and Stanley are the Answer
It is good that the Sabres have depth available to them, though how valuable Kesselring can be remains to be seen. Timmins is working his way through the rust right now, but the best option seems to be a pairing of Metsa and Stanley.
Stanley has improved gradually since coming to Buffalo, and being paired with a mobile, smart, reliable defenseman like Metsa could help his game even further. In the playoffs, when the pressure ratchets up, those smart plays are going to be invaluable. For that reason, Metsa needs to be there to help whoever slots in next to him to make the third pair a solid option instead of a question mark.
